Estes-Park.com Blog

Estes Park is open and ready for guests via the scenic Peak to Peak Highway! It's a perfect time of year to travel this historic scenic route and enjoy the fall colors in their finest. The elk are bugling, the downtown is open, and our town is ready to embrace all the wonderful people who have shown an outpouring of kindness and support after the Colorado floods.

How to get here:

Scenic Peak to Peak Highway: Take Hwy 119 north through Blackhawk, follow north to town of Nederland, (Hwy 119 turns into Hwy 72), continue on Hwy 72 to where it meets Hwy 7, take a left at the stop sign and follow Hwy 7 past Allenspark into Estes Park

Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park: Estes Park is accesible via Trail Ridge Road as weather allows. Please check with the National Parks Service here, as weather can change quickly.

Elk Fest:

Saturday & Sunday, September 28th and 29th

We are so happy to report that Elk Fest is still happening in Bond Park! Come enjoy the haunting beauty of the elk bugle, witness the elk rut up close, and enjoy live music and dining!

Lodging:

Many of our local businesses were fortunate to sustain minor damage, and are ready to welcome guests to enjoy the still beautiful mountains and wildlife. Please visit our Lodging Guide to contact the individual properties for more info. Here are the known open properties:

Monetary Donations - A special flood relief fund is now set up through Crossroads Ministry to receive and disperse funds for local flood victims. Visit www.crossroadsministryofEP.org to donate; designate donation for flood relief.

Volunteer - The Volunteer Clearinghouse is now open from 8 am - 5 pm. You can email them at vch@estes.org with offers of support. If you are looking to volunteer, please call 970-577-3974.

Visit Estes Park - Come on up to show your love for our beautiful town! We are a community of small, local businesses largely dependant on tourism. We welcome your patronage, and are deeply grateful for the global outpouring of love. It gives us strength to rebuild! #mountainstrong

1. Tatoo Estes 2013 - Not the body art you may be thinking of. Tatoo means: evening drum, bugle, or piper signaling soldiers to their quarters. The modern version of the tatoo is a parade ground concert of military bands. Tatoo Estes is known for its powerful performance in a beautiful setting.

2. Strong Man competition - Be amazed by one man throwing an almost 20 foot, 140 lb caber end over end. On the festival field there will be hammer throws, putting the stone, and caber tosses. See these amazing athletes Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 am - 4 pm.

3. Irish and Scottish Dancing - See the beautiful dances of the isles during competitions and performances throughout the festival. Dancers display the many forms of Irish and Highland dance that often date back to the 11th and 12th centuries.

4. Highland Crafts and Merchandise - Shop at the many vendor booths showing their Scottish and Irish wares.

5. Dogs of the British Isles - Learn about the various breeds of the British Isles. See races, herding demonstrations, agility, disc dog presentations and more! One dog will be awarded "Dog of the Festival" on Sunday.

6. A Parade - See the largest all Celtic parade in North America on Saturday at 9:30 am in Downtown Estes Park. You'll love the costumes, music, dancers, and bagpipes!

7. Clans and Societies - Find out more about your Celtic roots, or just learn about the fascinating history behind famous clans! The festival has a long list of clans that come every year to display their family histories.

8. 5k Kilted Race - New for 2013! Starting on Elkhorn Avenue (right before the parade kicks off on Saturday morning), and finishing on the main stage of the festival grounds. Cheer the kilted runners on the way!

9. The best Celtic bands in the world will be playing - From Folk to Celtic rock, we've got you covered! Concerts start at 7:30 pm at the Rocky Mountain Inn both Friday and Saturday nights.

10. The spectacular mountain setting of Estes Park, CO - Who can think of a more picturesque setting? Come spend the weekend! Lodging is still available in and around Estes Park for the weekend. Click here for Lodging Availability during the festival.